Cambodia raises Thai border operations, harm to civilians, at UN Human Rights Council

Ambassador Dara In, Cambodian permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, discussed Thai encroachment during the general debate on the global update by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Supplied

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Cambodia has formally accused Thailand of conducting sustained military operations and causing civilian harm along their shared border, raising the issue before the UN Human Rights Council during its 61st session on March 2.

Speaking during Item 2 of the general debate on the global update by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, ambassador Dara In, Cambodia’s permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, said the credibility of the international order is tested “not in times of ease, but in moments of strain — when adherence to law is inconvenient and restraint demands courage”.

Addressing the council, the ambassador stressed that peace and security are foundational to the protection of human rights.

“Peace and security are not decorative aspirations; they are the pillars of the UN Charter and the foundation for the enjoyment of all human rights,” he said.

“When peace collapses, law falls silent and rights risk becoming hollow promises,” he added.

Without softening his tone, In warned against what he described as a growing trend of selective compliance with international law.

“We confront a troubling inversion: law treated as optional, peace as negotiable and force as expedient,” he said, adding that the UN Charter was not drafted “to legitimise faits accomplish”.

“Coercion cannot yield peace, nor can occupation confer legality,” he continued.

The Cambodian envoy alleged that since mid-May 2025, Thai armed forces have carried out sustained operations across several border sectors, resulting in what he described as “grave harms to civilian communities” and territorial encroachments of Cambodian territory.

According to the statement, the reported impact includes civilian casualties, destruction of homes and infrastructure, pillage, forced evictions and large-scale displacement.

He also claimed that barbed wire and shipping containers continue to obstruct access to homes and villages, preventing displaced residents from returning safely and prolonging their suffering.

The remarks mark one of Cambodia’s strongest diplomatic moves on the issue at a multilateral forum, elevating the border tensions to the UN’s principal human rights body in Geneva.

Cambodia called on the Council to “uphold law over force and act with resolve”, urging respect for sovereignty, accountability and principled multilateral action.

“Only through respect for sovereignty, accountability and principled multilateral action can human dignity be safeguarded and peace made durable,” the ambassador said in closing.

There was no immediate response from Thai representatives at the session.

The border issue between the two neighbouring countries remains sensitive, with both sides previously affirming their commitment to peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.

-Phnom Penh Post-
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